Why preventive care is important

Remember the old saying that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? This can be especially true when it comes to preventive health care. Maintaining or improving your health is important - and a focus on regular preventive care, along with following the advice of your doctor, can help you stay healthy.

Baclofen

Sep 13, 2004 Viewed: 650

Baclofen disintegrating tablets

What are baclofen disentegrating tablets?
BACLOFEN (Kemstro™) is a muscle relaxant. It relieves spasms and cramping of muscles in conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Generic baclofen disintegrating tablets are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I take baclofen?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•bleeding disorders
•diabetes
•mental illness
•kidney disease
•phenylketonuria
•recent stroke
•seizures (convulsions)
•an unusual or allergic reaction to baclofen, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?
Take baclofen disintegrating tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. With dry hands, place the tablet on your tongue. The tablet will dissolve rapidly and be swallowed in your saliva. It is not necessary to drink any water to take this medicine. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking your medicine suddenly.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with baclofen?
•medicines for high blood pressure
Because baclofen can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of baclofen. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:
•alcohol-containing medicines
•barbiturates such as phenobarbital
•certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
•certain antihistamines used in cold medicines
•herbal products that contain kava kava or valerian
•other muscle relaxants
•tramadol or other strong medicines for pain
Ask your prescriber or health care professional about other medicines that may increase the effect of baclofen.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking baclofen?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•chest pain
•difficulty passing urine or increased need to urinate
•difficulty walking or moving
•fainting spells
•increased spasticity
•mood or mental changes
•rapid heart beat
•ringing or buzzing in the ears
•seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)
•seizures
•skin rash, hives
•slurred speech or problems talking
•unusal restlessness or nervousness
•vision changes (blurred vision, seeing double)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•changes in taste
•confusion
•constipation
•diarrhea
•difficulty sleeping at night (insomnia)
•dizziness or lightheadedness
•drowsiness
•dry mouth
•headache
•increased passing of urine
•muscle weakness
•nausea, vomiting
•weakness or tiredness

What should I watch for while taking baclofen?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may take several days of treatment before you see the full effects of baclofen. Do not suddenly stop taking baclofen. You must gradually reduce the dose to avoid side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Baclofen can affect blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how baclofen affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy; avoid alcoholic drinks.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.

It's easy to make a financial decision based on what you need right now, but making an informed choice will benefit you in the long run. Meet a former Red Sox pitcher who picked security over an uncertain future